VS Code Extensions Every Developer Must Have
Introduction
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has firmly established itself as the go-to code editor for developers across all domains. With over 70% of developers worldwide using VS Code as their primary editor in 2025, its popularity continues to grow—and for good reason. The core application is lightweight and fast, but the real power of VS Code lies in its extensibility.
In this guide, we’ll explore the must-have VS Code extensions that can dramatically improve your coding workflow, boost productivity, and enhance code quality. Whether you’re a front-end developer, back-end engineer, DevOps specialist, or data scientist, this curated list will help you transform your editing experience.
Why Extensions Matter
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s understand why extensions are so crucial for modern development:
- Personalization: Extensions allow you to tailor VS Code to your specific needs and preferences
- Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline complex workflows
- Language Support: Get intelligent features for your specific programming languages
- Integration: Connect your editor directly with tools, frameworks, and services
- New Features: Extend VS Code’s capabilities beyond what’s available out of the box
The right set of extensions can easily save you hours each week while improving code quality. Let’s explore the essential extensions every developer should consider in 2025.
Essential Extensions for All Developers
These extensions benefit virtually every developer, regardless of their tech stack or preferences.
1. GitHub Copilot
Extension ID: github.copilot
GitHub Copilot has evolved significantly since its introduction, becoming an indispensable AI pair programming tool. The 2025 version integrates advanced language models that understand context across your entire codebase, not just the current file.
Key features:
- Real-time code suggestions as you type
- Automatic documentation generation
- Natural language to code translation
- Function implementation suggestions based on comments
- Smart refactoring recommendations
Why you need it: Studies show that developers using Copilot complete tasks up to 55% faster while maintaining similar code quality. The ability to describe functionality in plain English and get working implementation suggestions drastically speeds up development.
Installation:
ext install github.copilot
2. GitLens
Extension ID: eamodio.gitlens
GitLens supercharges Git capabilities in VS Code, making it easier to understand who changed what, when, and why.
Key features:
- Inline blame annotations
- Interactive rebase support
- Commit graph visualization
- Repository and file history exploration
- Branch and tag management
Why you need it: GitLens transforms how you work with Git, bringing powerful repository insights directly into your editor without switching contexts. The visual commit history and inline blame annotations are particularly helpful for understanding code evolution over time.
Installation:
ext install eamodio.gitlens
3. Error Lens
Extension ID: usernamehw.errorlens
Error Lens enhances error, warning, and information diagnostics by making them more visible and readable right where they occur in your code.
Key features:
- Inline error messages next to the code
- Customizable highlighting for different message types
- Support for all languages with diagnostic capabilities
- Quick fix suggestions integrated with error messages
Why you need it: This extension significantly reduces the time between creating an error and noticing it, allowing you to fix issues as you code rather than waiting until you run or build your project.
Installation:
ext install usernamehw.errorlens
4. Path Intellisense
Extension ID: christian-kohler.path-intellisense
Path Intellisense autocompletes filenames as you type, making file references much faster and error-free.
Key features:
- File path completion for imports
- Support for relative and absolute paths
- Custom mapping configuration for aliases
- Works across all file types
Why you need it: Manually typing file paths is tedious and error-prone. This extension streamlines imports and file references, ensuring you never mistype another path.
Installation:
ext install christian-kohler.path-intellisense
5. Peacock
Extension ID: johnpapa.vscode-peacock
Peacock adds a subtle but effective visual cue by changing the color of your VS Code workspaces, making it easy to distinguish between multiple editor instances.
Key features:
- Customizable colors for different workspaces
- Color adjustment options for title bar, activity bar, and status bar
- Favorites system for frequently used colors
- Remote workspace support
Why you need it: If you work on multiple projects simultaneously, Peacock’s visual differentiation helps you instantly know which project you’re in, reducing context-switching errors.
Installation:
ext install johnpapa.vscode-peacock
Language-Specific Extensions
Different programming languages benefit from specialized extensions that provide deeper integration, formatting, and intelligent features.
For JavaScript/TypeScript Developers
1. ESLint
Extension ID: dbaeumer.vscode-eslint
ESLint integrates the popular JavaScript linting utility directly into VS Code, helping you catch and fix code quality issues and style violations.
Key features:
- Real-time linting as you type
- Automatic fix suggestions for common issues
- Customizable rule configurations
- TypeScript support
- Integration with popular styleguides like Airbnb and Google
Why you need it: Consistent code style and early error detection significantly reduce bugs and improve maintainability. ESLint catches potential issues before they become problems.
Installation:
ext install dbaeumer.vscode-eslint
2. Import Cost
Extension ID: wix.vscode-import-cost
Import Cost displays the size of imported packages inline in your code, helping you manage your application’s bundle size.
Key features:
- Real-time package size calculation
- Color-coded indicators for package sizes
- Support for JavaScript and TypeScript
- Tree-shaking awareness
Why you need it: Bundle size directly impacts application performance. This extension makes you mindful of the cost of each import, encouraging more efficient dependency management.
Installation:
ext install wix.vscode-import-cost
For Python Developers
1. Python
Extension ID: ms-python.python
The official Python extension from Microsoft provides comprehensive support for Python development.
Key features:
- IntelliSense code completion
- Linting and code quality tools
- Debugging support
- Test runners integration
- Environment management
Why you need it: This extension transforms VS Code into a full-featured Python IDE with all the essential tools needed for efficient Python development.
Installation:
ext install ms-python.python
2. Jupyter
Extension ID: ms-toolsai.jupyter
For data scientists and anyone working with Python notebooks, the Jupyter extension brings notebook functionality directly into VS Code.
Key features:
- Interactive code cells in .ipynb files
- Rich output support (charts, tables, images)
- Variable explorer
- Kernel management
- Code cell execution indicators
Why you need it: The ability to work with notebooks without leaving your editor creates a seamless workflow for data analysis and scientific computing tasks.
Installation:
ext install ms-toolsai.jupyter
For Web Developers
1. Live Server
Extension ID: ritwickdey.liveserver
Live Server launches a local development server with live reload capability for static and dynamic pages.
Key features:
- One-click live server launch
- Auto-refresh on save
- Custom server configurations
- Multi-site support
- HTTPS support
Why you need it: Instant visual feedback accelerates frontend development. Live Server eliminates the need to manually refresh your browser after each change.
Installation:
ext install ritwickdey.liveserver
2. Auto Rename Tag
Extension ID: formulahendry.auto-rename-tag
Auto Rename Tag automatically renames paired HTML/XML tags as you edit one of them.
Key features:
- Real-time tag pair renaming
- Works with HTML, XML, JSX, and Vue templates
- No configuration required
- Lightweight performance impact
Why you need it: This simple extension eliminates a common source of errors in markup editing, ensuring your opening and closing tags always match.
Installation:
ext install formulahendry.auto-rename-tag
Extensions for Code Quality and Formatting
Maintaining high code quality becomes much easier with these extensions focused on formatting and best practices.
1. Prettier
Extension ID: esbenp.prettier-vscode
Prettier is an opinionated code formatter that enforces consistent code style across your projects.
Key features:
- Support for multiple languages (JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, HTML, JSON, Markdown, and more)
- Format on save or format on paste options
- Customizable formatting rules
- Integration with ESLint
- Minimal configuration needed
Why you need it: Consistent formatting improves code readability and eliminates debates about style in team settings. By automating formatting, you can focus on the logic rather than the presentation of your code.
Installation:
ext install esbenp.prettier-vscode
2. SonarLint
Extension ID: sonarsource.sonarlint-vscode
SonarLint is a powerful static analysis tool that helps you detect and fix quality issues as you write code.
Key features:
- Detects bugs, vulnerabilities, and code smells
- Detailed explanations for each issue
- Support for multiple languages (Java, JavaScript, Python, etc.)
- Clean code education through issue descriptions
- Integration with SonarQube and SonarCloud for team workflows
Why you need it: By catching bugs and vulnerabilities before they make it to production, SonarLint helps you maintain higher quality code with less technical debt.
Installation:
ext install sonarsource.sonarlint-vscode
3. Code Spell Checker
Extension ID: streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker
While often overlooked, spelling errors in code, comments, and strings can cause confusion and bugs. Code Spell Checker helps eliminate these issues.
Key features:
- Programming language-aware spell checking
- Support for camelCase, snake_case, and other code-specific formats
- Custom dictionary support
- Multi-language support
- Minimal performance impact
Why you need it: Spelling errors in variable names, functions, and comments can lead to inconsistencies and bugs that are difficult to track down. This extension catches these issues early.
Installation:
ext install streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker
Collaboration and Productivity Extensions
Modern development is often collaborative—these extensions help streamline teamwork and boost your individual productivity.
1. Live Share
Extension ID: ms-vsliveshare.vsliveshare
Live Share enables real-time collaborative editing and debugging in VS Code, regardless of the programming languages you’re using.
Key features:
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Shared debugging sessions
- Terminal sharing
- Voice calls integration
- Fine-grained permission controls
Why you need it: Remote pair programming and collaborative debugging become seamless with Live Share. It’s particularly valuable for remote teams, mentoring sessions, and solving complex issues together.
Installation:
ext install ms-vsliveshare.vsliveshare
2. Project Manager
Extension ID: alefragnani.project-manager
Project Manager helps you organize and switch between projects easily, keeping your most used codebases at your fingertips.
Key features:
- Save and quickly access project folders
- Automatic project detection for Git, Mercurial, and SVN repositories
- Customizable project groups
- Tags for project organization
- Status bar integration
Why you need it: As you work with more projects, efficient project switching becomes essential for productivity. Project Manager eliminates the friction of finding and opening project folders.
Installation:
ext install alefragnani.project-manager
3. REST Client
Extension ID: humao.rest-client
REST Client allows you to send HTTP requests and view responses directly within VS Code, eliminating the need for external API testing tools.
Key features:
- Send HTTP requests and view responses in VS Code
- Environment variables support
- Request history
- Authentication support
- Response syntax highlighting
Why you need it: Testing APIs without leaving your editor streamlines the development workflow, especially when working on API integrations or building backends.
Installation:
ext install humao.rest-client
Theming and Visual Customization
While functionality is paramount, the visual experience also impacts your productivity and comfort during long coding sessions.
1. One Dark Pro
Extension ID: zhuangtongfa.material-theme
One Dark Pro is one of the most popular dark themes for VS Code, offering a clean, easy-on-the-eyes color scheme.
Key features:
- Carefully selected syntax highlighting colors
- Multiple theme variants (Vivid, Flat, etc.)
- Customizable options
- Optimized for long coding sessions
- Consistent styling across different languages
Why you need it: A good theme reduces eye strain during long coding sessions and can make code more readable through thoughtful syntax highlighting.
Installation:
ext install zhuangtongfa.material-theme
2. Material Icon Theme
Extension ID: pkief.material-icon-theme
Material Icon Theme adds beautiful material design icons to your file explorer, making it easier to identify file types at a glance.
Key features:
- Icons for hundreds of file types and folders
- Customizable icon associations
- Folder color customization
- Support for file-specific icons
- Regular updates for new file types
Why you need it: Visual cues help you quickly locate files by type in your project explorer, reducing the cognitive load of navigating complex projects.
Installation:
ext install pkief.material-icon-theme
AI and Machine Learning Extensions
AI capabilities in development tools have advanced significantly in recent years. These extensions leverage machine learning to enhance your coding experience.
1. Tabnine AI Autocomplete
Extension ID: tabnine.tabnine-vscode
Tabnine uses deep learning models to provide intelligent code completions based on your coding patterns and open-source code.
Key features:
- AI-powered code completions
- Local and cloud models (for privacy-sensitive scenarios)
- Multi-line code suggestions
- Language-specific training
- Team learning capabilities
Why you need it: While similar to GitHub Copilot, Tabnine offers different prediction models and privacy options. Many developers use both tools to get the best suggestions possible.
Installation:
ext install tabnine.tabnine-vscode
2. Code GPT
Extension ID: danielsanmedium.dscodegpt
Code GPT integrates large language models directly into your editor for code generation, explanation, documentation, and more.
Key features:
- Code explanation on demand
- Documentation generation
- Code refactoring suggestions
- Natural language code generation
- Multiple AI model support
Why you need it: Beyond code completion, Code GPT helps with understanding complex code, generating documentation, and exploring alternative implementations.
Installation:
ext install danielsanmedium.dscodegpt
Extensions for Specialized Development
Different development domains have unique requirements—these extensions address specific needs for specialized areas of development.
For DevOps and Cloud Development
1. Docker
Extension ID: ms-azuretools.vscode-docker
The Docker extension makes it easier to build, manage, and deploy containerized applications.
Key features:
- Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml authoring with IntelliSense
- Container and image management
- Registry explorer
- Command palette for common Docker commands
- Container debugging support
Why you need it: Working with containers becomes much more efficient with this extension, eliminating the need to constantly switch between VS Code and the terminal for Docker operations.
Installation:
ext install ms-azuretools.vscode-docker
2. Kubernetes
Extension ID: ms-kubernetes-tools.vscode-kubernetes-tools
For Kubernetes users, this extension provides development workflow support for working with Kubernetes clusters.
Key features:
- Cluster explorer
- YAML validation and intellisense
- Helm chart support
- Cluster resource management
- Integrated terminal for kubectl commands
Why you need it: Managing Kubernetes configurations and resources directly from your editor creates a more efficient workflow for cloud-native application development.
Installation:
ext install ms-kubernetes-tools.vscode-kubernetes-tools
For Mobile Developers
1. Flutter
Extension ID: dart-code.flutter
The Flutter extension provides comprehensive support for Flutter development in VS Code.
Key features:
- Dart language support with IntelliSense
- Flutter widget snippets
- Debugging support
- Hot reload integration
- Performance profiling
Why you need it: This extension transforms VS Code into a powerful IDE for Flutter development, with all the tools needed for efficient mobile app creation.
Installation:
ext install dart-code.flutter
2. React Native Tools
Extension ID: msjsdiag.vscode-react-native
For React Native developers, this extension provides a complete development environment.
Key features:
- Debugging for React Native applications
- IntelliSense for React Native APIs
- Command palette integration
- Expo support
- Integration with React Native simulators
Why you need it: React Native Tools streamlines the development workflow for cross-platform mobile applications built with React Native.
Installation:
ext install msjsdiag.vscode-react-native
Optimizing VS Code Performance
As you add extensions, be mindful of VS Code’s performance. Here are some tips to keep your editor running smoothly:
- Disable unused extensions: Right-click extensions and select “Disable” for those you use infrequently
- Use workspace-specific extensions: Enable extensions only for the projects that need them
- Monitor CPU and memory usage: Use the “Developer: Open Process Explorer” command to identify resource-intensive extensions
- Keep VS Code updated: Newer versions often include performance improvements
- Adjust settings: Fine-tune settings like
files.excludeto reduce the number of files VS Code needs to monitor
Managing Extension Settings
Most extensions come with customizable settings. To access these:
- Open the Command Palette (
Ctrl+Shift+PorCmd+Shift+P) - Type “Preferences: Open Settings (UI)”
- Search for the extension name to see available settings
Alternatively, you can directly edit settings.json by opening the Command Palette and typing “Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)”.
Setting Up Extension Profiles
VS Code’s Extension Profiles feature (introduced in early 2024) allows you to create different sets of extensions for different types of development:
- Create profiles: Go to Extensions view and click the profile icon
- Define role-based profiles: Create profiles like “Web Development,” “Data Science,” etc.
- Switch between profiles: Change profiles as you switch between different types of projects
This approach ensures you have the extensions you need without overloading VS Code with unnecessary ones.
Conclusion
The right set of VS Code extensions can transform your development experience, automating routine tasks and providing intelligent assistance for complex ones. In 2025, extensions have evolved from simple editor add-ons to sophisticated tools powered by AI and deep editor integration.
Start with the core extensions recommended for all developers, then add language-specific and specialized extensions based on your particular needs. Remember to periodically review your installed extensions, removing those you no longer use to maintain optimal performance.
What are your favorite VS Code extensions? Have we missed any must-have tools that have transformed your workflow? Let us know in the comments below!